Falcons 2018 free agent target profile: Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham

Falcons 2018 free agent target profile: Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham

In 2017, the Falcons ranked eighth in total offensive yards, but only 15th in points scored. This problem culminated in the team’s fourth-and-goal folly at the end of their 15-10 loss to the Eagles in the playoffs.

Atlanta’s inability to get the ball over the goal line was a problem all season long, therefore it was fitting that their season ended that way. Looking forward to 2018, we’ve begun to profile free agents that would make sense based on need.

Today, we examine Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham.

Pros:

At 6-foot-7, with 69 career touchdowns, Jimmy Graham is still a formidable red zone threat. He tallied 10 touchdowns in 2017, which was double what any Falcons receiver had last season.

Graham can also be a dangerous weapon over the middle that would help take some pressure off All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones.

Matt Ryan has shown how prolific he can be with a receiving threat at the tight end position in the past when Tony Gonzalez was around. Graham has plenty of tread left on the tires and if he wants to leave the Seahawks for another contender with a familiar culture, Atlanta is a good fit.

Cons:

Graham is 31 years old and not quite the athlete he was during his prime years in New Orleans. While his touchdown numbers are still elite for the position, his yardage and receptions totals have declined quite a bit. Graham averaged 1,028 yards per season during his final three in New Orleans, but just 682 per year over three years in Seattle.

Worse, he is a below-average blocker and would be likely command a hefty salary despite his apparent decline in efficiency and catch rate. Atlanta must ask if all that money will be worth it for a guy who’s basically just a goal-line weapon at this point of his career?

Career Stats:

Games

Catches

Yards

TDs

121

556

6,800

69

Probability:

Low

This one is tough because adding Graham would unquestionably make the Falcons a better team and could turn a weakness into a potential strength. But when you consider the price tag and his age, Atlanta may be better served to let Austin Hooper develop and draft someone who can step in right away to replace Levine Toilolo.